What are the semester dates?
When should I arrive?
Can I arrive early?
Can I arrive late?
Where will I arrive in Minnesota?
I'm in the airport. Where do I go now?
What should I do before classes start?
What are the semester dates?
Fall Semester 2008
September 2 - December 18 (including final exams)
No class on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 (Thanksgiving holiday)
Spring Semester 2009
January 20 - May 16 (including final exams)
No classes from Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 20 (Spring break)
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When should I arrive?
All exchange students must attend the welcome program before the semester starts. The official arrival day will be one day before the beginning of the welcome program. The International Programs office will notify you of the official arrival day and any subsequent updates.
OFFICIAL ARRIVAL DATES:
Fall Semester - Thursday, August 21, 2008
Spring Semester - Sunday, January 11, 2009
The welcome program will begin the morning following the offiical arrival day.
Due to frequency of flight delays in the United States, students are encouraged to consider arriving 1-2 days before the official arrival day (but not later).
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Can I arrive early?
Students on J-1 visas can enter the US before the program starts. Check with your nearest US Embassy for details. The International Programs office can arrange early housing before the fall semester, but we advise students not to arrive early for the spring semester. If you're planning to arrive before the official arrival date, please inform the International Programs office. For Fall Semester 2008, International Programs will be able to arrange early housing between August 16th and August 24th. On August 24th all students living on campus can move into their permanent housing. For students living off campus, you will need to have housing confirmed beginning no later than August 24 as no temporary housing on campus will be available.
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Can I arrive late?
All students must attend the welcome program, and we strongly discourage late arrivals. In addition to social events, there are a number of important sessions and programs that will help you succeed and enjoy your semester in Minnesota. If you can't arrive by the official arrival day, you must contact the International Programs office.
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Where will I arrive in Minnesota?
Plan on flying into the Minneapolis/St. Paul international airport. Many international airlines fly directly to Minneapolis. Flights also connect in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York before continuing on to Minneapolis. We recommend that you plan to arrive during normal business hours. On-campus housing has 24-hour check-in service, but private units may not.
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I'm in the airport. Where do I go now?
Before the semester begins, the International Programs office will provide you with specific information on traveling from the airport to student housing. You should go directly to your arranged housing (or early-arrival accommodations) to check in and store your belongings. We will provide you with information on activities and next steps.
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What should I do before classes start?
Be sure to attend the welcome program to learn about all of the opportunities available to you at the University of Minnesota. You'll meet fellow exchange students and International Programs staff, get ready for classes, and have a great time.
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